PDVL Safe Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'aquaplaning' and how should a driver respond to it?
- When a vehicle's tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, the driver should ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight until tyres regain grip (Correct answer)
- A technique for driving over flooded roads at speed
- A situation where the engine overheats in heavy rain
- When the brakes lock up on a wet road surface
Correct answer: When a vehicle's tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, the driver should ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight until tyres regain grip
Aquaplaning (or hydroplaning) occurs when a vehicle's tyres ride on a film of water rather than gripping the road surface, causing a loss of steering and braking control. The driver should ease off the accelerator gently (not brake sharply), keep steering straight, and wait for the tyres to regain contact with the road.
Question 2: What does a 'No Entry' sign with a red circle and horizontal white bar mean for a PHC driver?
- No vehicles may enter — the driver must find an alternative route (Correct answer)
- Taxis and private hire cars are exempt from this restriction
- The restriction applies only during peak hours
- Only heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering
Correct answer: No vehicles may enter — the driver must find an alternative route
A No Entry sign (red circle with white horizontal bar) means no vehicles may proceed in that direction. This restriction applies to ALL vehicles including PHC drivers. Entering against this sign is a traffic offence.
Question 3: What is the correct lane for PHC drivers to use on a 3-lane expressway during normal driving conditions?
- The leftmost (first) lane, using the centre or right lanes only for overtaking (Correct answer)
- The centre lane at all times for safety
- The rightmost (third) lane for professional drivers
- Any lane based on the driver's preference
Correct answer: The leftmost (first) lane, using the centre or right lanes only for overtaking
The Highway Code requires drivers to keep to the left lane on expressways during normal driving. The centre and right lanes are for overtaking only. After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane. Lane hogging in the right lane is an offence.
Question 4: What should a PHC driver do if they feel drowsy during a long trip?
- Pull over safely to a rest area and take a short rest before continuing (Correct answer)
- Open a window and continue driving to the destination
- Drink an energy beverage while driving
- Drive faster to complete the trip sooner
Correct answer: Pull over safely to a rest area and take a short rest before continuing
Drowsy driving is a major cause of serious accidents. If a PHC driver feels drowsy, they must pull over safely at a rest area or car park (not on the road shoulder), take a rest or short nap, before resuming driving. Passenger safety must never be compromised.
Question 5: What is the recommended procedure when a PHC driver encounters a breakdown on an expressway?
- Move the vehicle to the emergency lane, turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, and call for assistance (Correct answer)
- Stop in the current lane and wait for traffic police to arrive
- Continue driving on three tyres to the nearest exit
- Move to the emergency lane only if traffic is light
Correct answer: Move the vehicle to the emergency lane, turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, and call for assistance
If a breakdown occurs on an expressway, the driver should move the vehicle to the emergency lane (left hard shoulder) immediately, activate hazard lights, place warning triangles at least 45 metres behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic, and call for roadside assistance. Never remain in a live traffic lane.
Question 6: What precaution should a PHC driver take when driving near large vehicles like trucks and buses?
- Maintain a greater following distance and avoid lingering in the blind spots of large vehicles (Correct answer)
- Stay close behind large vehicles to benefit from their windshielding effect
- Overtake large vehicles quickly on the left side
- Sound the horn frequently to alert large vehicle drivers of your presence
Correct answer: Maintain a greater following distance and avoid lingering in the blind spots of large vehicles
Large vehicles have significantly larger blind spots than passenger cars. PHC drivers should maintain a larger following distance from large vehicles and avoid staying in their blind spot zones (alongside or just behind). If you can't see the truck driver's mirrors, they can't see you.
PDVL Safe Driving Techniques 2
What is 'aquaplaning' and how should a driver respond to it?